Ecological compensation based on multiscale ecosystem carbon sequestration service flow

Area of Science:

• Ecosystem services assessment
• Regional sustainable development
• Ecological economics

Background:

• Scientific assessments of ecosystem services are crucial for sustainable regional development.
• Ecological compensation policies are vital for managing ecosystem service supply and demand.
• The Loess Plateau faces challenges in balancing carbon sequestration services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the supply, demand, and flow of carbon sequestration services on the Loess Plateau from 2000-2020.
• To analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of carbon sequestration services and their interregional flow.
• To provide a basis for formulating ecological compensation policies for sustainable development.

Main Methods:

• Supply-demand ratio model
• Breakpoint model
• Field strength model
• Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis
• Statistical methods

Main Results:

• Both supply and demand for carbon sequestration services increased, with demand growing faster.
• High-supply areas are concentrated in central and northwestern Loess Plateau; high-demand areas are elsewhere.
• Supply-demand ratio declined, increasing deficit and surplus counties; interregional flows of services increased.
• Outflow of services from the Loess Plateau decreased, while inflow increased by 2020.
• Actual ecological compensation received/paid often differed from calculated values based on flow rates, willingness, and ability to pay.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into spatial transfer patterns of ecosystem services at multiple scales.
• Findings support the formulation of effective ecological compensation policies.
• The research promotes the realization of regional sustainable development through better ecosystem service management.